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About Hawaii Island (the Big Island)

“Our island is a place that time forgot,” says a prominent resident, “it’s a real island experience.” That must account for our growing resident base—more than 15% since 2000—and increasing attraction to visitors.

In land mass, Hawaii Island, also called the Big Island, is the largest (and residents might argue the best) of the Hawaiian chain. It is certainly the most diverse, with 11 of the earth’s 13 climates.

At more than 4,000 square miles, is so large that all the other major islands of the chain, Oahu, Maui, Kauai, Niihau, Molokai, Lanai and Kahoolawe could fit on Hawaii Island—twice.

Besides being the biggest, Hawaii Island is also the youngest of the chain, and Kilauea Volcano continues to add to the island’s area since it’s been in constant eruption since 1983.